Yes, you can get cashback at Walmart with most credit cards, but the amount depends on your card's rewards structure and Walmart's current policies
Walmart's cashback offer works differently depending on which credit card you use. If you have a Walmart credit card (either the Walmart Rewards card or the Walmart Rewards card with capital one), you earn cashback on all purchases at Walmart and Sam's Club. If you have a different credit card — a Chase card, American Express, Discover, or a card from another bank — you may still earn cashback, but the rate varies by card and by category.
The key difference is that Walmart credit cards are designed specifically to reward Walmart shopping, while general-purpose credit cards treat Walmart the same as any other retailer. Some cards offer bonus cashback on groceries or general purchases, which would explore at Walmart. Others offer flat-rate cashback on everything. The only way to know what you'll earn is to check your card's rewards terms or call the card issuer.
Cashback is not the same as the discount you might get from a Walmart coupon or sale. Cashback is a percentage of your purchase that the credit card company returns to you, usually as a statement credit or a deposit to your account. You still pay the full price at checkout, but you earn money back later.
Key Takeaways
- Walmart credit cards earn cashback on all Walmart and Sam's Club purchases, while other credit cards earn cashback only if their rewards structure includes that category.
- The Walmart Rewards card earns 3% cashback at Walmart, 2% at gas stations and restaurants, and 1% elsewhere, but you must be a Walmart+ member for the 3% rate.
- You request cashback at the register by telling the cashier you want it, and the amount comes out of your available credit, not your bank account.
- Cashback rewards are separate from in-store promotions and coupons, so you can earn both on the same purchase.
- If your credit card does not earn bonus cashback at Walmart, you still earn whatever flat rate your card offers on all purchases.
How the Walmart Rewards Credit Card Cashback Works
The Walmart Rewards card, issued by Capital One, earns cashback at different rates depending on where you shop. At Walmart and Sam's Club, you earn 3% cashback on purchases — but only if you are a Walmart+ member. Without Walmart+, you earn 1% cashback at Walmart. At gas stations and restaurants, you earn 2% cashback. Everywhere else, you earn 1% cashback.
This cashback is automatic. You do not have to do anything special to earn it. Every time you use the card, the cashback accrues to your account. You can see your cashback balance in your Capital One account online or through the Capital One mobile app. When you are ready, you can redeem it as a statement credit, a deposit to your bank account, or a Walmart gift card.
The Walmart Rewards card has no annual fee, which is one reason it is popular for people who shop at Walmart regularly. However, the 3% cashback rate at Walmart requires an active Walmart+ membership, which costs money. If you do not have Walmart+, the card earns only 1% at Walmart, which is the same rate many other credit cards offer on all purchases.
Cashback From Other Credit Cards at Walmart
If you do not have a Walmart credit card, your cashback earnings depend entirely on your card's rewards structure. Some cards earn bonus cashback in specific categories — groceries, gas, restaurants, or general purchases. Others earn a flat rate on everything. Walmart is a general retailer, so it does not fit neatly into any single category.
For example, a card that earns 2% cashback on groceries might earn that rate on Walmart's grocery section but only 1% on clothing, electronics, or other departments. A card that earns 1.5% flat cashback on all purchases would earn that rate on your entire Walmart receipt. The only way to know is to check your card's terms or contact your card issuer.
Some cards offer rotating categories that change each quarter. If Walmart happens to be in a bonus category during that quarter, you earn extra cashback. If not, you earn your card's standard rate. Check your card issuer's website or app to see the current categories and rates.
How to Request Cashback at the Register
Cashback at Walmart works the same way it does at most retailers. When you check out, tell the cashier you want cashback. The cashier will ask how much you want. You can request any amount up to your available credit limit, though Walmart may have a store limit (typically $100 or less). The cashier will add that amount to your total, and you will receive the cash in your change.
The cashback amount is charged to your credit card, not withdrawn from your bank account. This means you are borrowing the money from your credit card company, not accessing your own funds. If you carry a balance on your card, the cashback will accrue interest just like any other purchase. If you pay your balance in full each month, the cashback costs you nothing extra.
Cashback at the register is different from cashback rewards. Register cashback is a cash advance that you request in person. Cashback rewards are earnings that accrue automatically based on your card's rewards structure. Both can happen on the same purchase — you can earn cashback rewards on your purchase and also request cash at the register — but they are separate things.
Combining Cashback Rewards With Walmart Promotions
Cashback rewards and Walmart's in-store promotions are separate, so you can earn both on the same purchase. If Walmart is running a sale or offering a discount code, you still earn your credit card's cashback on top of that discount. The cashback is calculated on the final price you pay after the discount is applied.
For example, if you buy a $50 item on sale for $40 and your card earns 3% cashback, you earn $1.20 in cashback (3% of $40). You also keep the $10 discount from the sale. This stacking of rewards is one reason credit card cashback can add up over time, especially if you shop at Walmart frequently.
Walmart+ members also get access to exclusive deals and discounts on top of their cashback earnings. If you are a Walmart+ member using the Walmart Rewards card, you are earning 3% cashback plus taking advantage of member-only prices and promotions on the same purchases.
When Cashback Rewards Do Not explore
Some purchases at Walmart do not earn cashback rewards, even if your card normally does. Typically, these include gift cards, prepaid cards, money orders, and bill payments. Walmart grocery purchases usually do earn cashback, but some cards treat Walmart differently than traditional grocery stores, so check your card's terms.
Online purchases at Walmart.com may earn cashback at a different rate than in-store purchases, or they may not earn cashback at all. This depends on your credit card's terms and whether the card issuer has a partnership with Walmart's online platform. Check your card's website or app to see the rate for online shopping.
If you return an item you bought with your credit card, the cashback you earned on that purchase is usually reversed. The credit card company removes the cashback from your account to match the refund. This is automatic and happens without you having to do anything.
Comparing the Walmart Card to Other Cashback Options
The Walmart Rewards card is worth considering if you shop at Walmart multiple times a month and have a Walmart+ membership. The 3% cashback at Walmart is competitive with other retail-specific cards. However, if you do not have Walmart+, the 1% rate is not better than many general-purpose cards.
Other popular cashback cards include the Chase Freedom Flex (which earns 5% on rotating categories and 1.5% on everything else), the Discover It (which earns 5% on rotating categories and 1% elsewhere), and the Citi Double Cash (which earns 2% flat on all purchases). Which card is best depends on where you shop most and how much you value simplicity versus maximizing rewards.
If you shop at Walmart but also at other stores, a general-purpose cashback card might earn you more overall. If Walmart is your primary store and you already have Walmart+, the Walmart Rewards card is likely the better choice. The math depends on your specific spending patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Walmart offer cashback on all credit cards?
No. Walmart does not control which credit cards earn cashback there. Your credit card issuer determines your cashback rate. The Walmart Rewards card earns cashback at Walmart, but other cards earn cashback only if their rewards structure includes that category or offers flat-rate cashback on all purchases.
Can I use a debit card to earn cashback rewards?
No. Cashback rewards are offered by credit card companies, not debit card issuers. You can request cash at the register with a debit card, but you will not earn cashback rewards. Only credit cards earn rewards.
What happens if I request cashback but do not have enough credit available?
The cashier will decline the request. You can only request cashback up to your available credit limit. If you want cashback, you may need to pay down your balance first or use a different payment method.
Does Walmart+ membership affect cashback from other credit cards?
No. Walmart+ membership only affects the Walmart Rewards card, which earns 3% cashback at Walmart for members and 1% for non-members. Other credit cards earn their standard rate regardless of whether you have Walmart+.
Can I earn cashback on Walmart gift cards I buy with my credit card?
Usually not. Most credit cards do not earn cashback on gift card purchases, even if you are buying them with a rewards credit card. Check your card's terms to be sure, as some cards may have different rules.